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2023 Delaware State Instructor Development Camp

by Datu Hartman | Nov 20, 2023 | Uncategorized

This past weekend marked a memorable experience as I led a workshop at the Delaware State Modern Arnis Instructor Development Camp. These camps are a highlight for me, offering precious opportunities for close interaction with our dedicated practitioners. We delved deeply into various aspects of Modern Arnis, beginning with an exploration of Trapping Hands Decadena. The significance of trapping in Modern Arnis forms was emphasized, and I demonstrated how it integrates with takedowns and limb destruction techniques.

The camp’s curriculum also included an extensive examination of disarming techniques and counters, going beyond mere mechanics to discuss underlying theories. We revisited the teachings of the Professor, highlighting how disarms can be executed from multiple angles, contrary to the specific angles often taught for memorization purposes.

Post-lunch, we turned our focus to Crossada and Block-Check-Counter techniques, discussing their application in our Daga drill one and exploring variations in the Crossada flow drill. The drill’s role as a skill development tool was emphasized, with applications spanning single stick, single dagger, and stick-dagger combinations.

The second day involved a review of the previous day’s trapping techniques, followed by an introduction to Balintawak concepts integral to Modern Arnis. I shared my Balintawak Fast-Track Template, demonstrating its effectiveness in integrating both Balintawak and Modern Arnis techniques. We concluded with Daga drill three, discussing its relevance to both open hand combatives and edged weapon tactics.

But it wasn’t all training. The camp also included some leisure moments, like a delightful pork roast and a fireworks display on Saturday night. In addition, I addressed an outstanding issue from our spring camp, where a printer breakdown had prevented us from issuing certificates to those who passed their black belt tests. Rather than mailing the certificates, I chose to personally distribute them at various events, maintaining a personal touch. I was particularly pleased to present Miss Julia with her certificate for her promotion to Dayang Tatlo, 3rd Degree Black Belt in Modern Arnis.

A special thanks goes to Cornerstone Martial Arts for generously offering their venue for the camp. I also want to express my gratitude to Punong-Guros Chad Dulin & Tye Botting for their assistance in hosting and training. Lastly, I’d like to remind everyone of their upcoming camp from June 28 to 30, 2024, at the same location for the annual Del-Mar-Va (Delaware, Maryland, & Virginia) Modern Arnis Summer Camp.

Thank you to everyone who participated, making this event a remarkable and enriching experience.

Respectfully,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis Alliance

#modernarnis #filipinomartialarts #worldmodernarnis #modernarnistrainingcamp

“Reflecting on my Balintawak Eskrima Journey: Two Decades and Counting”

by Datu Hartman | Jul 28, 2023 | Uncategorized

“Reflecting on my Balintawak Eskrima Journey: Two Decades and Counting”

Today, I celebrate 23 fulfilling years of honing my skills in Balintawak Eskrima, an enriching journey that began under the meticulous guidance of the late Professor Presas. His nurturing hand prepared me for this transformative voyage long before I embarked on it, shaping my understanding of the original Tapi – Tapi from the mid-80s, known today as the footwork-less Seguidas of Balintawak.

It was under the Professor’s wing that I was introduced to the esteemed GM Ted Buot, a protege of Balintawak’s founder, Anciong Bacon, and a name synonymous with this martial art form. The Professor’s advice still echoes in my ears, nudging me to train with Manong Ted if I truly aspired to become an accomplished stick fighter.

The question that often arises is, why would the Professor steer me towards Balintawak Eskrima? The answer is simple. It was the final martial art form he mastered before sculpting his masterpiece, Modern Arnis. The profound influence of Balintawak Eskrima shaped him into the revered fighter we remember today. I consider myself privileged to have been part of the select few chosen by the Professor to undertake this enlightening journey.

It was not just about enriching my understanding of our system, but also about playing an instrumental role in research and development, helping the Professor recall his learnings from GM Bacon. This brings us to another question. Why this approach if Modern Arnis was a standalone art? The answer once again is simple. For most, Modern Arnis served as a supplementary or tertiary system. However, I was among the few who trained it as the standalone program it is. With my school and network growing, the Professor sought to offer advanced material for those immersed deeply in his system. And this material would be drawn from Balintawak Eskrima.

As I pause to express my gratitude, GM Remy, who set me on this path in the 80s, comes first to mind, followed by Manong Ted, who educated me in the traditional Filipino method as taught to GM Remy. Lastly, I want to thank GM Bobby Taboada for his mentorship and for helping me grasp the grouping methodology’s nuances within the Balintawak family tree.

Continuing my Balintawak training provides valuable insights into the making of the Professor as one of the world’s most respected Eskrimadors and uncovers the roots of some key concepts that led to the creation of Modern Arnis. The saying holds, “To foresee one’s future, you must understand the past.” My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has guided me on this path.

Respectfully,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis Alliance

#modernarnis #balintawak #balintawakeskrima